“Collagen” is becoming increasingly popular as a beauty supplement but calling it just that would be an understatement. Why? Because collagen is a crucial component in the structural building of our body.
Collagen is a protein that our bodies produce naturally. According to research, there are 28 to 30 types of collagen. Collagen makes up around 25 to 35% of the total proteins in the body. Collagen is found in hair, cartilage, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, intestines, nails, and skin. Collagen makes the skin look plump and elastic and keeps it from sagging.
But with age, collagen production starts declining. This change in collagen production can affect the body’s organs including our skin and its firmness and appearance. For women, low collagen production is even more of a matter of concern because they tend to lose it quickly once they hit menopause.
So what’s the solution? To supplement the production of collagen in our bodies, we need a holistic approach. A way of life that includes a nutrient-rich diet, a simple yet effective skincare routine, and cell renewal treatments that stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, thus boosting collagen production.
Bone Broth
While there are many foods rich in amino acids that are used in collagen production, bone broth is at the top of the list.
The collagen found in bone broth comes in the form of gelatin. You can easily prepare bone broth at home by using the meat of your choice. Beef, poultry, sheep, pork, and even fish bones can be used for this purpose. Simply bring the meat to a boil and let it simmer on low flame for an hour or two. You can also add spices and herbs to enhance the flavor and aroma.
Apart from bone broth, eating protein-rich foods such as fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, legumes, and soy is also an easy way to provide your body with the essential amino acids which are later utilized for the production of collagen and other types of proteins.
Collagen Supplements
Now, this one is tricky. You can’t just use any collagen supplement that claims to give you beautiful skin, nails, and hair.
What you can do is do some research. It is best to choose a supplement that is backed by clinical research and scientific evidence. Make sure they are FDA approved and contain collagen that is in the hydrolyzed form(soluble in water).
Another important point to consider while consuming a collagen supplement is that most proteins break down in the stomach and get absorbed there, thus they don’t get into the bloodstream. So, if you are using a supplement, make sure you’re consuming it the right way. Either take them as recommended on the label or as prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist.
Collagen Stimulating Treatments
Once your job from the inside is taken care of, you can pay attention to the outside treatments as well.
Many creams, serums, and moisturizers are available in the market that claims to have collagen as an active ingredient, however, there’s little to no evidence of the efficacy of topical collagen. On the other hand, retinol, tretinoin, and other skin repair ingredients stimulate collagen production through cell renewal and healing. Again, you must consult an aesthetician or dermatologist before choosing a topical cream.
As for the treatments, microneedling and laser therapy are two of the most effective antiaging treatments that work by stimulating collagen production. Microneedling restores skin’s natural elasticity. The process involves making tiny controlled punctures with a device known as the Skin Pen.
Once the skin begins to heal, it starts producing more collagen to repair the damage properly. Mirconeedling reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, lightens dark spots and acne scars, and makes the skin look firmer and younger.
Similarly, IPL or intense pulsed light therapy eliminates aging signs by using laser therapy. When the laser damages the dermis, it also stimulates collagen and boosts skin repair and elasticity.
Both these treatments are popular due to their amazing results. At Nita Med Spa, we offer both. You can check out our special offers to avail of amazing discounts too.
So, now that you know how important collagen is and how you can boost its production, you can certainly take better care of yourself and your skin.
